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Radio Broadcasting in Congress Remains an Effort for AM Radio: Does It Matter to You?

In crisis situations, AM radio remains the standard for emergency broadcasts. However, modern methods of communication have expanded greatly, offering increased ways to disseminate information.

Federal Legislature Persists in Efforts to Preserve AM Radio: Is Public Indifference Prevailing?
Federal Legislature Persists in Efforts to Preserve AM Radio: Is Public Indifference Prevailing?

Radio Broadcasting in Congress Remains an Effort for AM Radio: Does It Matter to You?

In recent times, the integration of AM radio in electric vehicles (EVs) has become a topic of discussion. The debate revolves around the absence of AM radio in EVs and the potential impact it may have on consumers.

Robby DeGraff, an analyst, and Brinley, another industry expert, both believe that the absence of AM radio is not a deal-breaker for consumers. DeGraff stated that most vehicle shoppers and owners are streaming content through their phones, tuning into satellite radio, or toggling through FM stations.

However, it's important to note that the majority of EV owners do not have an AM radio receiver in their vehicles due to electronic interference. AM frequencies are particularly sensitive to this type of interference, which can affect the radio's performance in EVs.

The average buyer of electrified vehicles skews younger and more tech-savvy, which won't have much overlap with the old-school AM radio crowd. DeGraff mentioned that there are demographics, especially Baby Boomer and some Gen Xers, who do listen to AM radio on a routine basis. No specific figures or numbers regarding consumer demand for AM radio in vehicles were provided by AutoPacific.

Congress is addressing the issue of AM radio reception in EVs because it is used for emergency alerts and does not require a paid subscription. The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015 was passed to establish common alerting and warning protocols, standards, and operating procedures for the system. The system is designed to adapt to and incorporate future technologies, provide alerts to the largest portion of the affected population feasible, and improve the ability of remote areas to receive alerts.

The House's version of the bill, which aims to mandate AM radio's inclusion in new vehicles, has received "overwhelming" support, according to Axios. However, no information about the current status of the bill in the Senate was provided in the article.

The system is also intended to promote local and regional public and private partnerships to enhance community preparedness and response. It is required to provide redundant alert mechanisms and protect individual privacy. The initiators of the law mandating AM radio receivers in new vehicles are not identified as politicians in the provided search results, so no information on which politicians are behind this law is available.

In conclusion, while the absence of AM radio in EVs may not be a significant concern for the majority of consumers, the importance of emergency alerts and the need for a reliable alert system remain paramount. The ongoing debate and potential legislation highlight the importance of finding a solution that balances consumer needs with emergency preparedness.

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